Arms

I did it again. Same story just opposite side of the coin.

Robbie watched James and Fiona embrace in her apartment. He smiled as he realized that Laura had been right. He pulled out his mobile. "Turns out you were right."

He started walking towards the pub. He smiled as he felt his mobile buzz in his pocket. He looked at the text. "Of course I was. What about?"

"James and Fiona."

His mobile rang almost instantly, "I can't believe you doubted me for a moment."

He laughed, amused by her confidence. In an instant, he decided he didn't want to be alone, "What are you doing?"

"Reading, you?"

Thinking of you was what ran through his mind, "Walking the streets, thinking about what to eat. Care to join me?"

"I've already eaten. But I'd happily wander the streets with you."

She was always game to meet. Always seemed so happy to simply be there for him, "Meet me at the usual place, ten minutes?"

"Save me a few chips."

"You've already eaten, get your own."

He waited on the bench, already happily eating from the wrapping when she arrived. Of course, he'd bought chips for her too. They sat on the bench next to him. Without a word, she picked them up and started snacking.

They sat in silence for a few moments then she nudged him, "Thanks."

He smiled to himself and shrugged, "It's self-serving. No way you are finishing all of that."

She gave him her best irritated look but he knew she didn't mean it. Smiling down at her, he was mesmerized by her lips, "I just might to spite you."

He laughed, "You wouldn't do that to me." Smiling to himself, he balled up his wrapper and waited. He knew she would save some for him.

Silence descended again. Nothing uncomfortable, just the silence of two friends, content to be side by side. He managed not to laugh as she handed him the wrapping.

Picking through most of her chips, he thought about how nice this was. Perhaps it wasn't as nice as what James and Fiona had but it was its own form of nice. His appetite waned as he was reminded of how much he missed being part of something larger. He tried to remember what it felt like to be a part of a couple and couldn't.

He felt her nudge him, was grateful for the distraction. "Want to walk a bit. Burn off those chips."

He nodded, thankful for the suggestion. Somehow, she always knew what he needed. They walked in silence. Unlike other nights, she didn't take his arm. He wondered why. After a while he drew in a deep breath, "I'm slightly jealous of James."

Tucking her hands into her pockets, she smiled up at him. "Why is that?"

"He might be saying goodbye to Fiona but at least he has someone. He knows she cares. Whether they are together or not, someone, somewhere cares for him, loves him. I don't have that. I miss that."

"Surely you know people who care for you…love you."

He looked down at her, her voice sounded different. He shrugged, "The kids, sure. But I'm talking about someone who's there at night. Someone who cares what time you get home." Holding up the chip wrapper, "Cares if you're eating right."

"I have an early morning. I need to get home."

Looking down he realized she wasn't beside him. Turning he realized she was several steps behind him. Closing the distance between them, "I'll walk you back."

She shook her head, turning to walk away from him. "No, I'll be fine."

Without thinking, he grabbed her arm, stopping her. Smiling down at her tenderly, "I know you'll be fine. I want to walk you back." He offered his arm, covering her hand when she looped it into his arm. A quiet peace descended over him. It had been a long time since he'd felt this settled.

He slowed his walking, not really wanting the moment to end. At her car, he smiled down at her. "Do you think you might want to wander the streets tomorrow night?"

To his surprise, she nodded. "Only if you promise something healthier than chips."

Before he could think about it, he pulled her into his arms. He wondered if she knew how much she meant to him. He fought the urge to bury his head in her hair. He smiled to himself as she wrapped her arms around him. The sense of peace from a few minutes earlier increased. He knew she was probably just humoring him. She could probably let go of him and never realize how much this moment meant to him.

As she drove away, he wondered when exactly he'd started to think of her as more than just a friend. More importantly, he wondered if she could ever see him as more. Maybe it was time he gave her some kind of a sign.

I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart
But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start

You put your arms around me
And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go
You put your arms around me and I'm home

How many times will you let me change my mind and turn around?
I can't decide if I'll let you save my life or if I'll drown

I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me 'cause I'm already falling

Christina Perri - Arms